"It has long seemed to me problematic, and even a little embarrassing, that so much of the public debate about Africa's economic problems should be conducted by non-African white men. From the economists (Paul Collier, William Easterly, Jeffrey Sachs) to the rock stars (Bono, Bob Geldof), the African discussion has been colonized as surely as the African continent was a century ago. The simple fact that Dead Aid is the work of an African black woman is the least of the reasons why you should read it. But it is a good reason nonetheless."

- Niall Ferguson, Preface to Dead Aid: Why aid is not working and how there is a better way for AfricaP.SBut seriously, Dambisa Mayo offers a compelling, reasoned, eloquent defense of her argument, the sort of non-fiction jam-packed with facts, and still somehow an engaging story.